Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

New Ph.D. Concentration in History of Christianity and Historical Theology

Wednesday, 11 April 2012 20:46

EVANSTON, Ill., April 2012 – Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is excited to introduce a new doctoral concentration starting in the fall of 2012. The Ph.D. in History of Christianity and Historical Theology, the newest of six concentrations, will focus on historical themes, issues, and methodologies in religious studies. Students in the program will have the opportunity to study a major historical emphasis and minor in another theological discipline or earn the seminary’s certificate in African American Studies.

Originally housed within the concentration Theology, Ethics, and History, the creation of the History of Christianity and Historical Theology concentration was approved by the faculty in February 2012.  This track will prepare persons for teaching in theological seminaries and undergraduate church-related colleges, as well as for denominational leadership, and productive scholarship.  When asked about this newly-created concentration, Dr. Jack Seymour, professor of religious education and director of the Ph.D. program, said, “The History of Christianity and Historical Theology concentration will draw a cohort of students interested in areas of Early Church, Reformation, Methodism, and the African American Church.  It will creatively combine the resources of historical and theological studies. ”           

The core faculty for this concentration includes: Dr. Jim Papandrea, assistant professor of church history (early church); Dr. Anna Johnson, assistant professor of reformation history; and Dr. Larry Murphy, professor of the history of Christianity (modern church history).  Supporting faculty, who maintain specializations in Wesleyan and Methodist studies, evangelism, global Christianity, and world religions, will aid in providing a broad range of support to meet the needs of students in this Ph.D. concentration.

To learn more, go to http://garrett.edu/index.php/programs/728-historical-studies.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 400 students from many denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

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Dr. Richard Gunderman to Deliver Address at 155th Commencement

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 09:47

EVANSTON, Ill., March 2012 – Dr. Richard Gunderman, professor at Indiana University and president of the faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine, will deliver the address at Garrett-Evangelical's 155th commencement on May 11. The service begins at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Evanston with a reception to follow.

Professor of radiology, pediatrics, medical education, philosophy, liberal arts and philanthropy and in the Honors College at Indiana University, Dr. Gunderman also serves as vice chair of radiology. He is a Fellow of the Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence and serves on the Board of Governors of the Institute for Advanced Study, the Kinsey Institute, and the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society.

“Dr. Richard Gunderman is one of those rare individuals who brings together great knowledge of medical science, faith and philanthropy,” said President Philip Amerson.  “It is our honor to have him share with us as the speaker for our 155th graduation ceremony.” 

Dr. Gunderman received his bachelor of arts summa cum laude from Wabash College, his master of public health from Indiana University, and his doctor of medicine and doctor of philosophy from the University of Chicago.  He is the author of over 300 scholarly articles and has published eight books, including We Make a Life by What We Give (Indiana University, 2008), Leadership in Healthcare (Springer, 2009), and Achieving Excellence in Medical Education (second edition, Springer, 2011).

A scholar with a passion for teaching, Dr. Gunderman is a nine-time recipient of the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award and a recipient of numerous other teaching awards, including the Robert Shellhamer Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the School of Medicine Faculty Teaching Award, the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Herman Frederic Lieber Memorial All-University Award for Teaching Excellence. He was named the 2008 Outstanding Educator by the Radiological Society of North America and in 2011 was named the American Roentgen Ray Society Berlin Scholar in Medical Professionalism.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

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Styberg Preaching Institute Welcomes Teresa Fry Brown for Preaching Workshop

Monday, 19 March 2012 23:03

EVANSTON, Ill., March 2012 – The Styberg Preaching Institute of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary welcomes Rev. Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown for the Drama and Delivery in Preaching workshop April 27-28, 2012. Dr. Fry Brown brings her experience as a speech pathologist, pastor, and homiletician to the workshop, where participants will learn how to improve their language, voice, and movement in preaching. Whether new to preaching or seasoned veterans, participants in this two-day workshop will be equipped to clearly communicate the Gospel to their congregation while keeping them engaged.

A former speech pathologist, Dr. Fry Brown is the Professor of Homiletics at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.  She is ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and currently serves as associate pastor of New Bethel AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia.  Dr. Fry Brown is the author of four books, including Delivering the Sermon: Voice, Body and Animation in Proclamation (Fortress Press, 2008).

“Dr. Fry Brown is a premier practitioner and teacher of preaching,” said Dr. Gennifer Brooks, Director of the Styberg Preaching Institute.  “Her dramatic, poetic style is engaging and inspiring as it offers a substantive message that reaches into the hearts of hearers with the good news of God's transforming grace.  We look forward to welcoming Dr. Fry Brown for this two-day workshop in April.”

Prior to the workshop, participants are encouraged to read Dr. Fry Brown’s book, Delivering the Sermon: Voice, Body and Animation in Proclamation. Registration cost is $100 and includes lunch for both days. A limited number of full scholarships for the registration fee are available, especially for those on minimum salary.  For more information or to register, go to www.Garrett.edu/Styberg or contact Dr. Gennifer Brooks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 847.866.3888.

Named for its benefactors, Ernest and Bernice Styberg, the Styberg Preaching Institute resolves to assist Christian leaders in the development of theological and practical disciplines necessary to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully to contemporary cultures. It represents Garrett-Evangelical’s partnership with the church by preparing persons for vital, effective Christian preaching.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

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Congregational Leadership Institute to Focus on Church’s Response to Polarized Culture

Friday, 16 March 2012 13:40

EVANSTON, Ill., March 2012 – The 2012 Congregational Leaders Institute welcomes Rev. Dr. James A. Harnish and Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler on August 5-9, 2012 at Bay View, Michigan. Harnish and Fowler will be speaking on the theme: Will the Center Hold? Seeking Gravity in a Polarized Culture.  Is there a center of gravity that will provide stability in the tug and pull of our polarized culture?  Can the central affirmations of the faith draw us together rather than push us apart?  These questions and more will be explored in this five-day retreat.

The Congregational Leaders Institute is a renewal and study opportunity for pastors and other leaders who seek to have a week of reflection, learning and interaction with inspirational and provocative educational and faith leaders. The Institute is sponsored by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in cooperation with the Bay View Religion Department.

		Harnish, is the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida.  He is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, and articles, and has served as a leader in The United Methodist Church both on the local and global level.  Harnish has been a member of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church since 1974.
		Fowler is the Associate Professor of Congregational Leadership and Director of the Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities at Garrett-Evangelical.  An expert in church leadership, Fowler has been instrumental in the development of numerous workshops and programs for ministers all over the world, including Garrett-Evangelical’s joint program with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Plus.

The registration cost is $275, which includes lunch every day, Monday through Thursday.  Participants can earn two continuing education credits at no additional cost. For more information, or to register, go to www.Garrett.edu/BayView.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

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Master of Divinity Student Chosen to Attend the 56th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

Monday, 05 March 2012 22:45

EVANSTON, Illinois, March 2012 – Upon learning she had been selected to attend the Young Women’s Leadership Experience at the 56^th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Tasha Sargent, Master of Divinity student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, shouted with excitement.  Tasha was one of nine women chosen by the National Council of Churches (NCC) to attend this year’s session on “the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges.”

Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Young Women’s Leadership Experience is sponsored by the National Council of Churches and Church Women United and serves as an introduction to the United Nations and the Commission on the Status of Women.  Tasha’s experience introduced her to women’s issues addressed by the United Nations, as she participated in CSW sessions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) events, and ecumenical worship services. 

When asked about her experience Tasha said, “I was struck by the profound power and prophetic witness found in different faith traditions.  Seeing Christian denominations, other religions, and secular organizations come together to stand up for the rights of women across the world was amazing. Their united voice really does influence the work and goals of the United Nations.”

“During the sessions and events, the stories were often difficult to hear,” noted Tasha.  “Women from Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East shared their stories about the lack of education for rural girls past primary school, the struggles against pesticide use in farming, and the constant fight for land ownership.  The unfortunate reality is that many of these rural women and girls are also often forced into early and arranged marriages. I will never forget the teenage girl from Pakistan who demanded passionately for the UN to use its power and influence to stop these early and forced marriages. These stories, and more, still resonate deeply in my heart, soul, and mind as I return to my urban life in Evanston and Chicago. Their stories remind me to be grateful for the rights and privileges I have as a woman who lives in the United States but they also remind me that there are still many in our rural and urban areas of the United States who lack access to education, adequate food and nutrition, and who still face harassment, discrimination, and bias because of their gender.”

Tasha is currently engaged in advocacy work as a seminary intern at the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) for The United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois.  Through this internship experience and the knowledge gained at the 56^th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Tasha hopes to continue advocacy work both for the Church and society at large.  For Tasha it is evident that, “Human rights, and in this instance the rights of women and girls, is a concern for all people and organizations.” 

The 56^th Commission on the Status of Women is currently in session through March 9, 2012.  To learn more, go to www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/56sess.htm and www.ecumenicalwomen.org.

Garrett-Evangelical, founded in 1853, is a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church. Located on the campus of Northwestern University, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-Evangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve church and society around the world.

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